The role of the right atrial appendage and right atrium in post-radiofrequency ablation recurrence in different types of atrial fibrillation

AIM

To quantitatively evaluate the relationship between the anatomical parameters of the right atrium and the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after radiofrequency ablation, considering different types of AF, utilizing 256-slice spiral computed tomography (CT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 297 patients with AF who underwent initial radiofrequency ablation were enrolled, divided into the paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PaAF) group (n=230) and the persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) group (n=67). Subsequently, patients in each group were further stratified into recurrent and non-recurrent subgroups. In addition, 100 healthy outpatients were selected as the normal group. All patients underwent preoperative cardiac CT (CCT) examination. The volumes of the right atrium (RA), right atrial appendage (RAA), and left atrial (LA), RAA height, the length, short diameter, perimeter, and area of the RAA base, anteroposterior diameter of the RA, tricuspid annulus diameter, crista terminalis, and inferior vena cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) on CCT images were measured.

RESULTS

In both the PaAF group and the PeAF group, except for the crista terminalis thickness, the other measured parameters were greater than those in the normal group, and recurrent patients exhibited larger RAA base, crista terminalis and LA volume. Recurrent patients with PeAF presented larger RAVI, while recurrent patients with PaAF did not. The short diameter of the RAA base was an independent predictor of recurrence in patients with PaAF (p=0.001), while the height of the RAA, thickness of the crista terminalis, and hypertension were independent predictors of recurrence in PeAF (p<0.05). The ROC curve was used to analysis the predictive model in PaAF and PeAF group, the corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 0.604 and 0.864 in PaAF group, respectively (AUC = 0.840, P=0.001), in PeAF group, the corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 0.967 and 0.892, respectively (AUC = 0.959, P=0.001). The short diameter of RAA base > 22.15 mm had the highest predictive value for recurrence in PaAF patients, with a sensitivity of 0.887, and a specificity of 0.520 (AUC: 0.743, p=0.001). The RAA height > 28.95 mm has the highest predictive value for recurrence in PeAF, with a sensitivity of 0.633, and a specificity of 0.865 (AUC: 0.816, p=0.001).

CONCLUSION

Recurrent patients both in the PaAF and PeAF groups demonstrated larger RAA base and RA structural parameters. Compared to patients with PaAF, recurrent patients with PeAF presented larger RA volume.

[The 5-year relative survival rate among cancer patients in Henan province of China, 2015-2019]

Objective: To analyze the 5-year relative survival rate of cancer in Henan province based on cancer registration data. Methods: Cancer survival data were extracted from the cancer registration database of Henan province with the diagnosis date between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2019 were included. The closing date of follow-up was set as December 31, 2019. The 5-year relative survival rate of cancer was calculated using the period survival analysis method and the Ederer II method in the R package "periodR", and the interest period was between 2015 and 2019. Results: During the period of 2015-2019, the overall 5-year relative survival rate of cancer patients in Henan province was 43.6%, and after age-standardization, it was 40.2%. The overall 5-year relative survival rate showed the characteristics of higher survival rate in females than males (45.9% vs 34.7%, Z=39.60, P＜0.001) and higher survival rate in urban areas than rural areas (44.9% vs 39.1%, Z=12.97, P＜0.001). The 5-year relative survival rate for cancer patients among children aged 0-14 was 60.2%, and for adults aged 15 and above, it was 43.5%, which was standardized to 40.2% after age adjustment. There are two types of cancers with a standardized 5-year relative survival rate exceeding 70% (thyroid cancer at 82.2% and breast cancer at 71.6%), and four cancers with a rate below 30% (pancreatic cancer at 18.2%, liver cancer at 19.6%, lung cancer at 24.0%, and gallbladder cancer at 26.6%). Conclusion: The cancer 5-year survival rate in Henan Province is lower than that of the national average, indicating the need for continued enhancement of cancer prevention and control measures.

Observation of the Λ b 0 → J / ψ Ξ - K + decay

Using proton-proton collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 140 fb - 1 collected by the CMS experiment ats = 13 Te V , theΛ b 0 → J / ψ Ξ - K + decay is observed for the first time, with a statistical significance exceeding 5 standard deviations. The relative branching fraction, with respect to theΛ b 0 → ψ ( 2 S ) Λ decay, is measured to be B ( Λ b 0 → J / ψ Ξ - K + ) / B ( Λ b 0 → ψ ( 2 S ) Λ ) = [ 3.38 ± 1.02 ± 0.61 ± 0.03 ] % , where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second is systematic, and the third is related to the uncertainties in B ( ψ ( 2 S ) → J / ψ π + π - ) and B ( Ξ - → Λ π - ) .

Combination and summary of ATLAS dark matter searches interpreted in a 2HDM with a pseudo-scalar mediator using 139 fb-1 of s=13 TeV pp collision data

Results from a wide range of searches targeting different experimental signatures with and without missing transverse momentum (ETmiss) are used to constrain a Two-Higgs-Doublet Model (2HDM) with an additional pseudo-scalar mediating the interaction between ordinary and dark matter (2HDM+a). The analyses use up to 139 fb-1 of proton-proton collision data at a centre-of-mass energy s=13 TeV recorded with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider during 2015-2018. The results from three of the most sensitive searches are combined statistically. These searches target signatures with large ETmiss and a leptonically decaying Z boson; large ETmiss and a Higgs boson decaying to bottom quarks; and production of charged Higgs bosons in final states with top and bottom quarks, respectively. Constraints are derived for several common and new benchmark scenarios in the 2HDM+a.

High-pressure synthesis and characterizations of a new ternary Ce-based compound Ce3TiAs5

We report the structure and properties of a new Ce-based compound Ce3TiAs5synthesized under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. It crystallizes in a hexagonal Hf5Sn3Cu-anti type structure with zig-zag like Ce chains along thecaxis. This compound is metallic and undergoes a magnetic phase transition atTN= 13 K. A metamagnetic transition occurs at ∼0.7 T. The Sommerfeld coefficient for the compound is determined to be about 215 mJ/(Ce-mol*K2), demonstrating a heavy Fermion behavior. The resistivity is featured with two humps, which arises from the synergistic effect of crystal electric field and magnetic scattering. The magnetic ordering temperatureTNgradually increases in the sequence of Ce3TiPn5with Pn = Bi, Sb, and As, which implies that the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida interaction should be still predominant in Ce3TiAs5.

Fruquintinib in refractory metastatic colorectal cancer: a multicenter real-world study

BACKGROUND

Fruquintinib has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). In clinical practice, fruquintinib is sometimes used in combination with other drugs, but its efficacy and safety are still unknown. In this study, we present a comprehensive analysis of the real-world treatment modalities involving fruquintinib in late-line settings for mCRC across six centers in China.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with refractory mCRC who received fruquintinib treatment in six centers in China between 1 January 2021 and 31 June 2022 were included in this study. Patients were categorized into two cohorts: the monotherapy group (treated solely with fruquintinib) and the combined group (received fruquintinib combined with chemotherapy and/or anti-programmed cell death protein 1 antibodies). Demographic, clinical, survival, and safety data were retrospectively analyzed. The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT06202417.

RESULTS

A total of 520 patients were included in this study. The median follow-up time was 9.7 months. The disease control rate was 64.8%. The median progression-free survival was 5.0 months and the median overall survival was 11.4 months. Of them, 387 (74.4%) were treated with fruquintinib alone, while 133 (25.6%) were administered fruquintinib plus chemotherapy and/or anti-programmed cell death protein 1 antibodies, respectively. Adverse events were reported by 91.3% (457/520) of patients. The rate of grade 3 or 4 toxicity was 42.4% (237/520). No treatment-related death occurred.

CONCLUSION

Fruquintinib, either as a standalone treatment or in combination with other medications, demonstrates substantial efficacy and favorable tolerability in refractory mCRC patients.

[Changes in WHO classification of adrenal tumors and new ideas for multi-dimensional diagnosis and treatment]

In 2022, WHO updated the classification and concept of adrenal cortical and medullary tumors. In terms of adrenal cortical tumors, the WHO classification further standardizes the nomenclature of nodular adrenal cortical disease and refines the pathological classification of primary aldosteronism. In terms of adrenal medullary tumors, the WHO classification unifies the concepts of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, and reclassifies various concepts, including paraganglioma-like neuroendocrine tumors. The new standards not only cover the clinical manifestations of the disease, but also include other multiple aspects such as the histological origin of the disease, immunohistochemical manifestations, physiological mechanisms of the disease, hereditary susceptibility and prognostic factors. This article intends to explore how to improve the diagnostic and therapeutic level of adrenal tumors.

[The application effect of a new type of laparoscopic multi-freedom surgical instrument in the training of basic surgical skills]

Objective: To evaluate the application effect of a new type of laparoscopic multi-degree-of-freedom surgical instrument in the training of basic surgical skills and analyze the learning curve. Methods: To analyze the teaching records of the trainees who received training in the training base of laparoscopic surgeons in Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital from January to October, 2023. The 50 trainees were randomly divided into conventional instrumentation group and new instrumentation group with 25 trainees in each group according to the random number table method before the training. According to the research design, five modules such as "accurate bean clamping, plum blossom pile bean clamping, ferrule positioning, threading with both hands, sewing and knotting" were trained. After the training, they were assessed and the completion time of each module was recorded. The comparison of the changes of the completion time of the two groups of students before and after training was statistically analyzed by differences-in-differences(DID) method, and the fitting analysis of learning curve was analyzed by cumulative summation method. Results: Before the training, there was no statistically significant difference in the time required to complete five modules between the two groups of trainees (all P>0.05). After the training, the time to complete the five modules in both groups was reduced compared to before the training (accurate bean clamping: (63.7±9.3) seconds vs. (85.4±18.2) seconds, t=2.38, P=0.035; plum blossom pile bean clamping: (45.2±6.8) seconds vs. (103.1±57.2) seconds, t=8.77, P=0.047; ring positioning: (78.5±19.1) seconds vs. (126.2±26.3) seconds, t=6.96, P=0.019; threading with both hands: (63.3±21.2) seconds vs. (105.8±27.9) seconds, t=3.43, P=0.015; sewing and knotting: (160.2±79.5) seconds vs. (228.9±96.6) seconds, t=4.58, P=0.008).The average time required to complete the five modules was shorter in the new instrument group compared to the conventional instrument group (DID for accurate bean clamping=37.66, t=2.43, P=0.007; DID for plum blossom pile bean clamping=58.42, t=3.03, P=0.013; DID for ferrule positioning=28.33, t=2.83, P=0.031; DID for threading with both hands=48.89, t=2.10, P=0.042; DID for sewing and knotting=54.78, t=3.57, P=0.012). In the learning curves for the plum blossom pile bean clamping, ferrule positioning, and sewing and knotting modules, the new instrument group required fewer class hours to reach proficiency compared to the conventional instrument group (plum blossom pile bean clamping: 3 class hours vs. 4 class hours; ferrule positioning: 4 class hours vs. 5 class hours; sewing and knotting: 3 class hours vs. 5 class hours). In the accurate bean clamping and threading with both hands modules, both the conventional and new instrument groups crossed the learning curve at the 5th class hour, but there was a statistically significant difference in the slopes of the curves between the two groups (accurate bean clamping: t=-2.85,P=0.004; threading with both hands:t=-2.66,P=0.008). Conclusion: The new type of laparoscopic multi-degree-of-freedom surgical instruments can improve the learning effect and shorten the learning curve in laparoscopic training teaching, which shows good application effect and has the potential of clinical trial.

Extracting the femtometer structure of strange baryons using the vacuum polarization effect

One of the fundamental goals of particle physics is to gain a microscopic understanding of the strong interaction. Electromagnetic form factors quantify the structure of hadrons in terms of charge and magnetization distributions. While the nucleon structure has been investigated extensively, data on hyperons are still scarce. It has recently been demonstrated that electron-positron annihilations into hyperon-antihyperon pairs provide a powerful tool to investigate their inner structure. We present a method useful for hyperon-antihyperon pairs of different types which exploits the cross section enhancement due to the effect of vacuum polarization at the J/ψ resonance. Using the 10 billion J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, this allows a precise determination of the hyperon structure function. The result is essentially a precise snapshot of theΛ ¯ Σ 0 ( Λ Σ ¯ 0 ) transition process, encoded in the transition form factor ratio and phase. Their values are measured to be R = 0.860 ± 0.029(stat.) ± 0.015(syst.), Δ Φ Λ ¯ Σ 0 = ( 1.011 ± 0.094 ( stat. ) ± 0.010 ( syst. ) ) r a d and Δ Φ Λ Σ ¯ 0 = ( 2.128 ± 0.094 ( stat. ) ± 0.010 ( syst. ) ) r a d . Furthermore, charge-parity (CP) breaking is investigated in this reaction and found to be consistent with CP symmetry.

[Retrospective analysis of 62 cases who received clinical application of artificial temporomandibular joint]

Objective: To conduct a retrospective study on the treatment outcomes of patients who underwent artificial temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacement surgery and to evaluate the effectiveness of artificial TMJ treatment. Methods: This study selected 62 patients who received standard Biomet artificial TMJ treatment at Department of Orthognathic and TMJ Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University from May 2010 to September 2023 as the study subjects. Among them, there were 15 male patients and 47 female patients. The average age was 33.5 years old(ranging from 18 to 67 years). This study statistically analyzed postoperative indicators, including maximum mouth opening, forward jaw movement, lateral movement, postoperative pain scores, and patient satisfaction. Results: This study included a total of 62 patients with 99 TMJ joints. No infections occurred postoperatively. The average follow-up period was 33.7 months (ranging from 7 to 170 months). At 6 months postoperatively, the mean mouth opening was (36.1±6.2) mm, lateral movement was (2.1±0.9) mm, and forward jaw movement was (1.0±0.9) mm. The pain visual analog scale score at 6 months postoperatively was (2.8±0.6), and patient satisfaction with the surgery was (8.8±1.1). Spiral CT scans conducted after surgery showed no joint dislocation or migration, and the artificial joint remained stable during the follow-up period. Conclusions: Artificial TMJ replacement is a valuable method for effectively restoring TMJ structure and essential functions related to mouth opening and chewing. It is worthy of promotion as a reconstructive approach for the temporomandibular joint.

Exploration and Design of Carbon Dot-Based Long Afterglow Materials Using Active Machine Learning and Quantum Chemical Simulations

Long afterglow materials based on carbon dots (CDs) have attracted extensive attention in the field of optics due to their low cost and nontoxic properties. However, the targeted synthesis of specific properties of complex and unknown structures such as CDs remains a daunting challenge. In this study, the powerful nonlinear fitting ability of machine learning was used to explore the afterglow properties of CDs. The XGBoost algorithm demonstrates high prediction accuracy in determining the optimal excitation wavelength, optimal emission wavelength, and afterglow lifetime. Using Bayesian optimization, we screened and synthesized the CDs-based long afterglow materials with the longest lifetime reported so far by a one-step microwave method. By combining quantum chemical calculations with experimental data, we revealed the structure-function relationship between CDs and their precursors through electron-hole analysis. These results show that machine learning can establish nonlinear correlations between precursors and materials with unknown structures, clarify their intrinsic relationships, simplify the material design process, and thus accelerate the development of advanced materials.

[The characteristics of pediatric primary retroperitoneal teratoma and the influencing factors of perioperative complications]

To explore the characteristics of pediatric primary retroperitoneal teratoma and the influencing factors of perioperative complications. The clinical data, imaging data, pathology results, perioperative complications, etc of patients with primary retroperitoneal teratoma admitted and treated at Shanxi Children's Hospital from March 2013 to September 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into no complication group and complication group according to whether there were perioperative complications. The differences between the two groups were compared, and the influencing factors of complications were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression model. A total of 33 patients were included in this study, including 7 males and 26 females, with an age of [M (Q1, Q3), 9.0 (4.0, 24.0)] months. Nineteen cases had tumors located in the left upper abdomen and 14 cases in the right upper abdomen, among which 17 cases grew across the midline, with the maximum tumor diameter of (12.9±4.5) cm. All patients had anatomical displacement of retroperitoneal vessels and organs: the number of anatomical displaced arteries was 3 (3, 4), the number of anatomical displaced veins was 4 (3, 5), the number of anatomical displaced organs was 5 (4, 6). Pathologic examination revealed 28 mature teratomas (Grade 0 and Grade 1) and 5 immature teratomas (Grade 2 and Grade 3). There were 18 cases in no complication group and 15 cases in the complication group. The incidence of perioperative complications was 45.5% (15/33). The number of tumors crossing the midline (6/18 vs 11/15, P=0.037), the number of tumors adhering closely to the surrounding tissues (7/18 vs 12/15, P=0.033), the number of anatomical displaced veins [4 (3, 4) vs 5 (4, 5), P=0.001], and the number of anatomical displaced organs [4 (3, 5) vs 6 (5, 6), P=0.001] were significantly different between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression model analysis showed that the number of anatomical displaced organs (OR=8.781, 95%CI: 2.155-35.784, P=0.002) was the influencing factor for perioperative complications of pediatric primary retroperitoneal teratoma.

[A multicenter study on effect of delayed chemotherapy on prognosis of Burkitt lymphoma in children]

Objective: To analyze the factors affecting delayed chemotherapy in children with Burkitt lymphoma (BL) and their influence on prognosis. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Clinical data of 591 children aged ≤18 years with BL from May 2017 to December 2022 in China Net Childhood Lymphoma (CNCL) was collected. The patients were treated according to the protocol CNCL-BL-2017. According to the clinical characteristics, therapeutic regimen was divided into group A, group B and group C .Based on whether the total chemotherapy time was delayed, patients were divided into two groups: the delayed chemotherapy group and the non-delayed chemotherapy group. Based on the total delayed time of chemotherapy, patients in group C were divided into non-delayed chemotherapy group, 1-7 days delayed group and more than 7 days delayed group. Relationships between delayed chemotherapy and gender, age, tumor lysis syndrome before chemotherapy, bone marrow involvement, disease group (B/C group), serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) > 4 times than normal, grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ myelosuppression after chemotherapy, minimal residual disease in the interim assessment, and severe infection (including severe pneumonia, sepsis, meningitis, chickenpox, etc.) were analyzed. Logistic analysis was used to identify the relevant factors. Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the patients' survival information. Log-Rank was used for comparison between groups. Results: Among 591 patients, 504 were males and 87 were females, the follow-up time was 34.8 (18.6,50.1) months. The 3-year overall survival (OS) rate was (92.5±1.1)%,and the 3-year event-free survival (EFS) rate was (90.5±1.2)%. Seventy-three (12.4%) patients were in delayed chemotherapy group and 518 (87.6%) patients were in non-delayed chemotherapy group. The reasons for chemotherapy delay included 72 cases (98.6%) of severe infection, 65 cases (89.0%) of bone marrow suppression, 35 cases (47.9%) of organ dysfunction, 22 cases (30.1%) of tumor lysis syndrome,etc. There were 7 cases of chemotherapy delay in group B, which were seen in COPADM (vincristine+cyclophosphamide+prednisone+daunorubicin+methotrexate+intrathecal injection,4 cases) and CYM (methotrexate+cytarabine+intrathecal injection,3 cases) stages. There were 66 cases of chemotherapy delay in group C, which were common in COPADM (28 cases) and CYVE 1 (low dose cytarabine+high dose cytarabine+etoposide+methotrexate, 12 cases) stages. Multinomial Logistic regression analysis showed that the age over 10 years old (OR=0.54,95%CI 0.30-0.93), tumor lysis syndrome before chemotherapy (OR=0.48,95%CI 0.27-0.84) and grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ myelosuppression after chemotherapy (OR=0.55,95%CI 0.33-0.91)were independent risk factors for chemotherapy delay.The 3-year OS rate and the 3-year EFS rate of children with Burkitt lymphoma in the delayed chemotherapy group were lower than those in the non-delayed chemotherapy group ((79.4±4.9)% vs. (94.2±1.1)%, (80.2±4.8)% vs. (92.0±1.2)%,both P<0.05). The 3-year OS rate of the group C with chemotherapy delay >7 days (42 cases) was lower than that of the group with chemotherapy delay of 1-7 days (22 cases) and the non-delay group (399 cases) ((76.7±6.9)% vs. (81.8±8.2)% vs. (92.7±1.3)%, P=0.002).The 3-year OS rate of the chemotherapy delay group (9 cases) in the COP (vincristine+cyclophosphamide+prednisone) phase was lower than that of the non-chemotherapy delay group (454 cases) ((66.7±15.7)% vs. (91.3±1.4)%, P=0.005). Similarly, the 3-year OS rate of the chemotherapy delay group (11 cases) in the COPADM1 phase was lower than that of the non-chemotherapy delay group (452 cases) ((63.6±14.5)% vs. (91.5±1.3)%, P=0.001). Conclusions: The delayed chemotherapy was related to the age over 10 years old, tumor lysis syndrome before chemotherapy and grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ myelosuppression after chemotherapy in pediatric BL. There is a significant relationship between delayed chemotherapy and prognosis of BL in children.

Radiomics nomogram: distinguishing benign and malignant pure ground-glass nodules based on dual-layer spectral detector CT

AIM

To investigate the value of the combined model based on spectral quantitative parameters, radiomics features, imaging and clinical features to distinguish the benign and malignant pure ground-glass nodules (pGGNs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 113 patients with single pGGNs who underwent non-contrast enhancement examination of the chest on dual-layer spectral detector CT (SDCT) with two weeks before surgery was performed in our hospital. These patients were randomized into training and testing cohorts. Regions of interest based on the conventional 120 kVp poly energetic image of SDCT were outlined. Then the optimal features were extracted and selected to construct radiomic model. A combined model combining vacuole sign, electron density (ED) value and the rad score of radiomics model was built by logistic regression analysis. A nomogram was built in a training cohort and the performance of the models was evaluated in the training and testing cohorts by receiver operating characteristic curves, calibration curves and decision curve analysis.

RESULTS

ED value [Odds Ratio (OR):1.100; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.027-1.166)] and vacuole sign (OR:3.343; 95% CI:0.881-12.680) were independent risk factors for the malignant pGGNs in the training cohort. A combined model was constructed using radiomics features, ED value and vacuole sign. And the AUC was 0.910 (95% CI, 0.825-0.997) and 0.850 (95% CI, 0.714-0.981) in the training and testing cohorts, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The combined model based on SDCT has high specificity and sensitivity for distinguishing the benign and malignant pGGNs, suggesting the model can further improve diagnostic performance, and using a nomogram is helpful for individualized predictions.

Evidence for particle acceleration approaching PeV energies in the W51 complex

The γ-ray emission from the W51 complex is widely acknowledged to be attributed to the interaction between the cosmic rays (CRs) accelerated by the shock of supernova remnant (SNR) W51C and the dense molecular clouds in the adjacent star-forming region, W51B. However, the maximum acceleration capability of W51C for CRs remains elusive. Based on observations conducted with the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO), we report a significant detection of γ rays emanating from the W51 complex, with energies from 2 to 200 TeV. The LHAASO measurements, for the first time, extend the γ-ray emission from the W51 complex beyond 100 TeV and reveal a significant spectrum bending at tens of TeV. By combining the "π0-decay bump" featured data from Fermi-LAT, the broadband γ-ray spectrum of the W51 region can be well-characterized by a simple pp-collision model. The observed spectral bending feature suggests an exponential cutoff at ∼400 TeV or a power-law break at ∼200 TeV in the CR proton spectrum, most likely providing the first evidence of SNRs serving as CR accelerators approaching the PeV regime. Additionally, two young star clusters within W51B could also be theoretically viable to produce the most energetic γ rays observed by LHAASO. Our findings strongly support the presence of extreme CR accelerators within the W51 complex and provide new insights into the origin of Galactic CRs.

Supplementing pigeon grit with acidifier improves metabolism and the reproductive performance of breeding pigeons as well as the development of growth performance of squabs

1. This study evaluated the effectiveness of different types of acidifiers on reproductive performance, body weight loss and plasma biochemical indices of breeding pigeons as well as on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality and plasma biochemical indices of squabs.2. In a 45 d trial, 144 pairs of European white Mimas pigeons were selected and randomly divided into three experimental groups. Three groups of pigeons were fed plain pigeon grit (NC), pigeon grit supplemented with 5% single acidifier (SAG) and pigeon grit supplemented with 5% combined acidifiers (CAG).3. Supplementing with SAG and CAG significantly increased the weight gain in male pigeons from 1-12 d of incubation. However, SAG and CAG had no significant effect on the feed intake of breeding pigeons during incubation, but significantly increased total feed intake of breeding pigeons during the lactation period. Breeder pigeons fed SAG and CAG had significantly higher egg-laying rate at 40 d. In addition, feeding SAG and CAG significantly increased growth rate and slaughter weight of squabs, but SAG reduced the diameter of pectoral muscle fibres. Biochemical indices showed that feeding SAG and CAG improved metabolism and increased the liver function of breeder pigeons and squabs.4. In conclusion, supplementing pigeon grit with acidifiers increased feed intake of breeding pigeons during lactation, protected liver function, enhanced reproductive performance and promoted the growth and development of squabs.

Sleep problems of children with Down syndrome in northern China

BACKGROUND

Limited research has looked at the present-day sleep problems among Chinese children with Down syndrome (DS). This study aimed to investigate the situation of the sleep problems of school-aged children with DS in northern China.

METHODS

Parents of children with DS were a convenience sample recruited through the special education schools of Shandong Province in China. The Chinese version of the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire was applied to assess the sleep problems of children with DS.

RESULTS

Parents of 334 children with DS reported the average sleep duration was 9.7 (9.3-10.2) hours per night, and 62.0% of children with DS were reported sleeping less than 10 h per night. Additionally, the total prevalence rate of sleep problems among children with DS was 69.8%. Sleep-disordered breathing (59.2%), sleep duration (33.8%) and bedtime resistance (32.0%) were the three most commonly reported sleeping problems. Younger children with DS (age 6-8 years) had severe problems with bedtime resistance, sleep anxiety and parasomnias than older children with DS (age 9-12 years) (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Sleep problems are prominent among children with DS in northern China and are worthy of attention. Caregivers and health professionals should raise awareness of sleep problems in this group of children and implement targeted interventions to improve their sleep quality as early as possible.

Observation of New Charmonium or Charmoniumlike States in B^{+}→D^{*±}D^{∓}K^{+} Decays

A study of resonant structures in B^{+}→D^{*+}D^{-}K^{+} and B^{+}→D^{*-}D^{+}K^{+} decays is performed, using proton-proton collision data at center-of-mass energies of sqrt[s]=7, 8, and 13 TeV recorded by the LHCb experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. A simultaneous amplitude fit is performed to the two channels with contributions from resonances decaying to D^{*-}D^{+} and D^{*+}D^{-} states linked by C parity. This procedure allows the C parities of resonances in the D^{*±}D^{∓} mass spectra to be determined. Four charmonium or charmoniumlike states are observed decaying into D^{*±}D^{∓}: η_{c}(3945), h_{c}(4000), χ_{c1}(4010), and h_{c}(4300), with quantum numbers J^{PC} equal to 0^{-+}, 1^{+-}, 1^{++}, and 1^{+-}, respectively. At least three of these states have not been observed previously. In addition, the existence of the T_{c[over ¯]s[over ¯]0}^{*}(2870)^{0} and T_{c[over ¯]s[over ¯]1}^{*}(2900)^{0} resonances in the D^{-}K^{+} mass spectrum, already observed in the B^{+}→D^{+}D^{-}K^{+} decay, is confirmed in a different production channel.

[Comprehensive evaluation of single-anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy in obese patients based on efficacy and nutrition]

Objective: To evaluate the 1-year postoperative efficacy and nutritional indicators of single-anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) in obese patients. Methods: This retrospective observational study included patients with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥40.0 kg/m2 regardless of other related metabolic diseases and patients with severe type 2 diabetes and a BMI between 27.5 and 40.0 kg/m2. The clinical data of 66 obese patients who underwent SADI-S at the Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Department of China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University from November 2018 to May 2022 were collected, including 53 cases of da Vinci robotic surgery and 13 cases of laparoscopic surgery. The patients comprised 38 men and 28 women with a median age of 35 (18-61) years and a mean preoperative BMI of 42.93 ± 6.82 kg/m2. A total of 38 patients had type 2 diabetes, and 46 had hyperuricemia, 45 had hypertension, 35 had hyperlipidemia, 12 had hypercholesterolemia, and 12 had a high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level. The main observation indicators were (1) intraoperative and postoperative conditions; (2) weight loss outcomes, including body weight, BMI, excess body weight loss (%EWL), and total body weight loss (%TWL) at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery; (3) effects of treatment on metabolic disease; and (4) changes in nutrient indicators. Results: (1) Intraoperative and postoperative conditions: All patients successfully underwent SADI-S with neither conversion to laparotomy nor death. Four (6.1%) patients developed postoperative complications, and all of them recovered and were discharged after conservative or surgical treatment. (2) Weight loss outcomes: %EWL at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery was 62.07 ± 26.56, 85.93 ± 27.92, and 106.65 ± 29.65, respectively, and %TWL was 22.67 ± 4.94, 32.10 ± 5.18, and 40.56 ± 7.89, respectively. Body weight and BMI 3 to 12 months after surgery were significantly lower than those before surgery (all P < 0.001). (3) Effect of treatment on metabolic disease: 3 to 12 months after surgery, fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, uric acid, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, and other indicators were significantly lower than those before surgery (all P < 0.05). Twelve months after surgery, the remission rates of diabetes, hyperuricemia, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, and high LDL were 100% (38/38), 65.2% (30/46), 62.2% (28/45), 94.3% (33/35), 100% (12/12), and 100% (12/12), respectively. (4) Changes in nutrient indicators: Compared with the preoperative nutrient levels, the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were lower at 3 to 12 months after surgery, the total protein level was lower at 6 to 12 months after surgery, the albumin level was lower at 6 months after surgery, and the ferritin level was lower at 3 months after surgery. The differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). The incidence of anemia was 6.1% (4/66), hypoalbuminemia was 4.5% (3/66), and ferritin deficiency was 4.5% (3/66), all of which were improved or normalized through conservative treatment. Twelve months after surgery, 30 (45.5%) patients had vitamin A deficiency, 17 (25.8%) had vitamin E deficiency, 11 (16.7%) had folic acid deficiency, 2 had potassium deficiency (3.0%), 3 (4.5%) had calcium deficiency, 2 (3.0%) had magnesium deficiency, 9 (13.6%) had iron deficiency, and 16 (24.2%) had zinc deficiency. However, no relevant clinical symptoms occurred. Conclusions: SADI-S has a very significant effect on weight loss and alleviation of metabolic diseases. Nutrient deficiencies after SADI-S mainly involve vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, and folic acid. The long-term efficacy and safety of SADI-S still need further follow-up observation.

Interaction between nutrition-related parameters and sexual orientation on depression

OBJECTIVES

Sexual minorities may be more vulnerable to mental disorders. Previous studies have found associations between diet and depression, but no studies have focused on the interaction between nutrition-related parameters and sexual orientation regarding depression. This study aims to explore the interaction between nutrition-related parameters and sexual orientation regarding depression.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis using NHANES 2007-2016 data.

METHODS

This study utilized data from NHANES 2007-2016, with 11,065 participants involved. Nutrition-related parameters were evaluated using the healthy eating index-2015 (HEI-2015) and the dietary inflammation index (DII), while depression was obtained through Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Logistic regression and stratified analysis of subgroups were used in this study.

RESULTS

Compared to those who consumed healthy and anti-inflammatory diets, the ORs for depression in groups consuming unhealthy and pro-inflammatory diets were 1.366 (95%CI:1.073,1.738) and 1.652 (95%CI:1.345,2.028), respectively. Sexual minorities have a higher risk of depression than heterosexuals. There is an interaction effect (P = 0.037) between HEI-2015 and sexual orientation on depression, while it was not found in DII. Subgroup analysis indicated that the interaction between sexual orientation and HEI-2015 persisted in males (P = 0.024), but not in females.

CONCLUSION

Both diet and sexual orientation had impacts on depression. There was an interaction between HEI-2015 and sexual orientation on depression, and this association was different by gender. Sexual minorities who are Gay/lesbian, Bisexual, and Something else are at higher risk for depression, and adopting healthy eating patterns and anti-inflammatory diets that are consistent with the recommendations of the USDA may appropriately reduce the risk of depression.

Search for Rare Decays of D_{s}^{+} to Final States π^{+}e^{+}e^{-}, ρ^{+}e^{+}e^{-}, π^{+}π^{0}e^{+}e^{-}, K^{+}π^{0}e^{+}e^{-}, and K_{S}^{0}π^{+}e^{+}e^{-}

Using 7.33  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data collected by the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies in the range of sqrt[s]=4.128-4.226  GeV, we search for the rare decays D_{s}^{+}→h^{+}(h^{0})e^{+}e^{-}, where h represents a kaon or pion. By requiring the e^{+}e^{-} invariant mass to be consistent with a ϕ(1020), 0.98 Collapse

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[Clinical analysis of 7 cases of acute B cell lymphoblastic leukemia with t (17;19) (q21-22;p13)/TCF3-HLF fusion]

A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of seven acute B-lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) patients with TCF3-HLF fusion gene-positive admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from June 2017 to August 2022 was conducted to summarize their clinical features and prognoses. The seven B-ALL patients comprised four males and three females, with a median age of 18 (11-33) years. Five patients tested positive for CD33 expression, and four patients had a normal karyotype. Two patients had hypercalcemia at the initial diagnosis, and one patient developed hypercalcemia at relapse. Six patients presented with coagulation dysfunction at diagnosis. After induction chemotherapy, five out of seven patients achieved complete remission, of which four subsequently relapsed. Two patients did not achieve remission even after two rounds of induction chemotherapy, with one achieving complete remission after treatment with blinatumomab immunotherapy. Three patients underwent chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy, whereas three patients subsequently underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Five patients died, while two patients survived with sustained complete remission. TCF3-HLF-positive B-ALL is rare and has a high relapse rate and poor prognosis.

Mechanics- and Behavior-Related Temporomandibular Joint Differences

Fatigue of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) tissues reflects the effects of magnitude (energy density; ED) and frequency of loading (jaw muscle duty factor; DF). This observational study measured these variables and tested for differences in mechanobehavior scores (MBS = ED2 × DF) and component variables in subjects with and without TMJ disc displacement (±D). In accordance with Institutional Review Board and STROBE guidelines, written informed consent was obtained, and examination and imaging protocols identified eligible adult subjects. Specifically, magnetic resonance imaging was used to assign subjects' TMJs to ±D groups. Subjects were trained to record in-field jaw muscle activities, from which DFs (percentage of recording time) were determined. EDs (mJ/mm3) were estimated using modeled TMJ loads and in vivo dynamic stereometry. Multivariate analysis of variance, post hoc independent t tests, and K-means cluster analysis identified significant group differences (P < 0.05). Of 242 individuals screened, 65 females (TMJs: 78 +D, 52 -D) and 53 males (TMJs: 39 +D, 67 -D) participated. Subjects produced 312 daytime and 319 nighttime recordings of average duration 6.0 ± 0.2 h and 7.6 ± 0.1 h, respectively, and 219 (114 right, 105 left) intact dynamic stereometry recordings. Average EDs were 2-fold and significantly larger in +D than -D TMJs (P < 0.0001). DFs were on average 3-fold larger during the daytime versus nighttime for both masseter and temporalis muscles and 1.8- and 3.0-fold larger for the masseter versus temporalis muscle during the daytime and nighttime, respectively. Daytime masseter MBSs for +D TMJs in females were the largest overall at 621 ± 212 (mJ/mm3)2% and 2- to 43-fold larger versus -D TMJs in both sexes during daytime and nighttime. Cluster analysis (P < 0.0001) identified groups 2 and 3, which comprised 87% +D TMJs and had average MBSs 21-fold larger than group 1. The results show MBS as a potential biomarker to predict homeostasis versus progression or reversal of degenerative TMJ structural changes.